Kiosk owner faces charges for selling fireworks to minors

Criminal charges are pending against a kiosk owner in Cyprus following allegations that fireworks sold to minors ignited a fire in Trimiklini, authorities said.

Speaking to "DIASPORA NEWS," Police Spokesman Christos Andreou clarified that while fireworks can legally be sold in kiosks, they are prohibited for sale or possession by individuals under the age of 16. "We are proceeding with prosecution against the individual involved," Andreou stated.

Regarding potential charges against the parents of the minors involved, Andreou indicated that investigations are ongoing. "If criminal charges are warranted, we will proceed accordingly," he affirmed.

The incident in Trimiklini, where a 12-year-old and a 13-year-old confessed to igniting fireworks that sparked a blaze consuming nearly 1.5 square kilometers of wilderness, has intensified scrutiny over fireworks regulations in Cyprus. Following their confession in the presence of their parents, authorities have been gathering evidence and identifying the minors involved.

Meanwhile, police in Nicosia seized a cache of prohibited fireworks this morning during a joint operation by the Police and the Customs Department. A 36-year-old man was arrested as part of ongoing investigations into the illegal possession and sale of fireworks.

Members of the Nicosia Crime Prevention Unit and the Customs Department collaborated in the operation, leading to the discovery of 105 flares and 130 handheld fireworks launchers. These items were confiscated on grounds that their importation, possession, and sale are prohibited by law.

The kiosk owner, aged 36, was detained on charges related to the illegal possession of explosives. Both the suspect and the confiscated pyrotechnics were turned over to the Customs Department for further investigation.